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Updated: May 26, 2026

Expression of Cementitious Pore Solution and the Analysis of Its Chemical Composition and Resistivity Using X-ray Fluorescence
Published on: September 23, 2018
Influence of Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag on Solar Reflectance, Lightness, and Temperature of Hardened Cement
Payam Shafigh1,2, Poh-Yee Loh2, Muhammad Aslam1
1Department of Civil Engineering, College of Architecture and Energy Engineering, Wenzhou University of Technology, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
The solar reflectance (SR) of surfaces in the built environment influences the urban heat island phenomenon, while surface lightness (L* in color measurement) serves as an indicator of surface appearance. Both parameters are closely related to the surface temperature (T s), which affects thermal comfort and building energy performance. Ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) is a whitish supplementary cementitious material. High-volume replacement of cement with GGBS can significantly lower the carbon footprint of cement-based materials. This study systematically examines the comprehensive effects of GGBS on gray (OPC) and white Portland cement (WPC) pastes on their SR, appearance (through L* value), and T s performance. The SR and L* values of the pastes were determined using spectrophotometers at different wavelength ranges, and their T s were measured using a thermocouple under direct solar exposure. Results show that replacement of GGBS at 0%, 30%, 50%, and 70% in the OPC and WPC pastes had a linear relationship, with strong correlation between T s and L* and between T s and SR. When red iron oxide pigment was added to the mixture, the pigmented pastes exhibited close values for L* regardless of the binder type. GGBS replacement in the WPC mixture lowers the SR and L* values, which is advantageous for producing off-white surfaces in areas with thermal comfort and glare concerns. The SR and L* values that affect the T s of a cementitious surface can be adjusted by altering the GGBS content in the cement paste.
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